Related Content

"The storm significantly exceeded the level of snow we expected to see," said Gov. Charlie Baker. By Sunday morning, Acushnet had recorded 22 inches and Salisbury had 20.5 inches.

The storm, which was officially determined to be a blizzard on Cape Cod, will be followed by a bone-chilling and threatening blast of cold, with lows of minus 10 degrees forecast in some areas Sunday night.

The highest winds -- of 60 to 70 mph -- will likely be seen on Cape Ann and Cape Cod and the Islands. National Guard and Masschusetts State Police high-water rescue teams were pre-positioned to assist in any rescues that may be necessary.

Wind gusts could max out at 75 mph - hurricane territory - on Cape Cod. Officials warned of possible power outages, and north-facing or vulnerable coastal areas could suffer flooding and beach erosion, the National Weather Service said.

However, the morning high tide passed with only minimal flooding, Baker said.

The blizzard brought 18 inches or more to coastal Massachusetts, 12 inches or more in eastern Massachusetts and 8 to 12 inches in the Route 495 belt.

In central Massachusetts, 6 to 10 inches was expected.

Transportation officials took many precautions. Nearly 400 Sunday flights were already canceled at Boston's Logan International Airport, and none was scheduled Sunday morning. And the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority canceled all rail, bus and ferry service in the Boston area on Sunday.

A decision about the status of service for Monday will be made Sunday.

Crews worked urgently to remove the massive amounts of snow that clogged streets and triggered numerous roof collapses.

"They've been doing a great job as far as sort of removing the snow and relocating the snow to make it look like it's less, but it's piled up everywhere," said John Barry, general manager of Kelly's Roast Beef in Revere, on Boston's North Shore. He said the recent tough weather has hurt business, but the restaurant has gotten traffic from snow plow drivers, emergency personnel and "people sort of venturing out to check out the weather."

Massachusetts called up hundreds of National Guard troops to assist with snow removal, and the Hanscom Air Force base outside Boston became a staging area for heavy equipment pouring in from eight other Northeast states to help in the effort.

If there was a silver lining, the storm is hitting over a holiday weekend, which could minimize travel effects.

The snow was expected to taper off Sunday afternoon, but the high winds will continue, forecasters said.

"Most people would love it if it didn't snow again," said Baker. "The unfortunate reality is that it is, and we are going to have to work our way through it."

Forecasters also warned of bitterly cold temperatures through the Presidents Day weekend. Temperatures could reach double digits below zero on Friday night into Saturday, with wind chills reaching between 5 and 15 below zero.

Forecasters are also tracking another possible storm for Tuesday night and Wednesday.